Kinran Kesa fragment cod. 0856. Gold foil, paper. Japan. 19th Century. Size cm. 23 x 25 (9” x 10”). Very good condition. Mounted on a wooden frame. This exquisite textile fragment showcases the intricate artistry of Kinran, a technique that traces its origins back to 7th-century China but was further refined and perfected by Japanese artisans. Kinran involves the application of gold or silver foil onto resilient paper crafted from mulberry bark. Following meticulous burnishing of the metal, the paper sheets are meticulously cut into slender strips, which are then expertly woven into the fabric as threads on the loom. The end result is a textile with a surface that gleams like a mirror, casting a radiant reflection. This particular piece features tear-shaped medallions, each adorned with four elegant dragons set within a cloudband border. These captivating motifs are set against a striking backdrop of alternating blue and yellow diagonal grid patterns.